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BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF PROFESSOR PIUS NWANKWO OKEKE.

Pius Nwankwo Okeke was born on the 30th October, 1941 to the humble family of Daniel Ndubisi Okeke and the Beatrice Ugogbe Okeke, both from Oraukwu in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambara State, Nigeria, West Africa. The father Mr. Daniel Okeke was a brick layer and exceptionally hardworking and extremely kind and honest, while the mother was a petty trader, extremely intelligent, a leader and pace setter for others. Pius Nwankwo Okeke attended a primary school in Oraukwu where he obtained his first school leaving certificate. His most favourite’s subject in school was mathematics where he always excelled. But initially he was not interested in other subjects as a result he ended up attending a private secondary school Washington memorial Grammar school 1957- 1962 where he had no opportunity to offer physics and chemistry. Pius Nwankwo Okeke felt that his ambition to be a scientist was thwarted he therefore went to Lagos and attended Emergency science school Lagos where he did all the science subjects at O level GCE and then proceeded to A level GCE and got distinction in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Physics. He was offered admission to study physics in 1965 at the University of Lagos, Nigeria In class the young P.N. Okeke was the best student not only in the department but the faculty of science. He therefore won the faculty scholarship to enable him complete his BSc and proceed to a PhD any part of the world. Fate has its way, the Nigerian Civil War disrupted Pius Nwankwo Okeke’s plans though. He was forced to transfer to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nigeria where he completed his BSc degree second class honors upper division in Physics in 1971 and was appointed a Junior Research Fellow of the University of Nigeria in 1972 Pius Nwankwo. Okeke was the first person to receive a PhD degree of the University of Nigeria in 1975. He carried out his Postdoctoral research in the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom in 1979 under the supervision of very distinguished Astronomer Professor M.J. Rees. He rose to the rank of a professor and leader of Space Research Centre University of Nigeria in 1989.

He tackled many problems in Astronomy and collaborated with researchers world wide to become a distinguished international scholar. This led to series of International Awards that include: Visiting Scientist Harvard Smithsonian Centre USA, 1997, Senior Research Fellow National Astronomical Observatory, Tokyo, Japan 1993, Visiting Scientist, University of Tuebingen, Germany 1995; Visiting Professor South African Astronomical Observatory 1996; External Board Member, South African National Science Foundation 1994-2000.

Prof. P. N .Okeke is a Fellow of Royal Astronomical Society, London; Fellow of Nigerian Academy of Science, Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Physics, Fellow of Planetary and Radio Science, Fellow of IAA,  and United Nations Consultant in Space Science in Africa, In the course of his dedicated research, he made the following outstanding discoveries: Discovery of a new eclipsing cataclysmic variable; Prediction of observational consequences of mini black hole; Proposed a Nuclear Beam Model in Radio Sources. Contributed immensely in Astrophysical Spectral Research, Conducted massive postgraduate training for Nigerian Space Science scholars using facilities at home and abroad

Prof. P.N. Okeke is the African recipient of the UN/NASA award in 2007 for his tremendous contributions in the development of Astronomy in Africa.

In the University of Nigeria, Prof. P.N. Okeke proved to be a sound administrator: He served as the Head of Dept of Physics & Astronomy between 1988 – 1992 and 1996 -1997, Dean of Faculty of Physical Sciences, 1999 to 2002; Chairman, Sports Council, Chairman ICT, and Chairman Strategic Contact Committee.

Prof. Okeke has left an indelible footprint in the building of human resources in academics. He has produced over 20 Ph.Ds and 30 M.Scs in Space Science and he is still currently supervising another 5 Ph.D students.

Over 6 of his students are now professors, heading Space Research programs in other Nigeria Universities. About 3/4 of Astronomers in Nigeria are the products of Prof. Okeke

Prof.Okeke is efficiently directing CBSS and is setting up at its permanent site at Nsukka, one of the largest Radio Telescope in Africa –a 25 metre Radio Telescope in collaboration with China. The Centre has also recently been upgraded to African Regional Centre for Space Weather Research.

Through the efforts of P. N. Okeke, CBSS has entered into collaborative research with over 20 universities and several research institutes including the National Meteorological Agency, (NIMET). Excellent work in the areas of Atmospheric Science and Astronomy is going on through out the country.

Prof. Okeke successfully set up a network of twenty automatic weather stations operating through wireless telemetary for monitoring Nigerian Climate as well as studying Radio Propagation in Nigeria

Prof. P.N. Okeke has recently signed MOU with several countries for various research programs and over 50 scientists from Nigeria have received training under these MOUs : National Astronomical Observatory(NAO), Japan, South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, HartRAO Observatory, S. Africa, Harvard Smithsonian Centre, USA, University of Delaware, USA, Altteche Technology, China. And Urumqi Radio Astronomy Observatory, China.

Professor Okeke has written 15 textbooks in Physics and Astronomy at both secondary and tertiary levels. These books are today the most popular in Nigeria and some African countries. The Department of Physics and Astronomy decided two years ago to write a special letter of commendation to Prof. Okeke for his enormous contributions to provision of research facilities, training of members of staff abroad, and the development of research programs in the department.

As can be seen above, the TWO major ambitions of Prof. Okeke are almost achieved (i)	To Pioneer Basic Space Science Programs in Africa and Nigeria in particular through sound postgraduate programs and attraction of research facilities. Today he is the Director of Centre for Basic Space Science and the President of African Astronomical Society. (ii)	 To reform and simplify the learning and teaching of Physics in secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Today his physics books are the best and most popular in Nigeria and West Africa.

Based on Professor Okeke’s tremendous achievements and his meritorious Service to the University of Nigeria and humanity, the University has recently approved his appointment as Professor Emeritus of the University of Nigeria.

LIST OF CO-AUTHORED JOURNALS/ ARTICLES By Professor Pius Nwakwo Okeke are:

1. Algebraic Constraints for Higgs Multiples: International Journal of Theoretical, London, 12, 199-203 (1975), F.N. Ndili and P.N. Okeke.

2. Testing Gauge Theories in Electron-Electron Scattering: international Journal of Theoretical Physics, London, 13, 107-129 (1975), P. N. Okeke, Ndili. and Chukwumah.

3. Structural Parameter of Classical Lie Algebras: Revista, Brazil, 5, 07-129 (1975), F.N. Ndili, G.C. Chukwumah and P.N. Okeke.

4. Structural Parameters of Semi-Simple Lie Algebras: International Journal of Theoretical Physics: London, 12,125-142 (1976), Ndili, Chukwumah and P.N. Okeke.

5. Neutral Currents effects in Moller Scattering: International Journal of Theoretical Physics, London, 15, 1-9 (1976), F.N. Ndili, P.N.Okeke, and G.C. Chukwumah.

6. Observational Consequences of Positron Production by Evaporating Black Holes: Astronomy and Astrophysics, UK, 18, 262-264 (1979), P.N. Okeke and M.J. Rees.

7. The Primary Source and Fates of galactic Positions: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 71, 371-375 (1980), P.N. Okeke.

8. Consequences of CP Violating in Cosmic Ray Sources: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 75, 527-530 (1981), P.N.Okeke and Santokh Singh.

9. Mode of scattering index parameters in the interstellar Medium: Astronomical Journal, USA, 110-1112 (1981), P.N.Okeke.

10. Proton-Proton Collisions in EGRS, IAU Symp. 97, USA, 75-76 (1981), S.E. Okoye and P.N. Okeke.

11. Proton Collisions in Cosmic Ray Sources: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 83, 75-79 (1982), S. Singh and P.N. Okeke.

12. Origin of Pulsar Nulling: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 84, 243-246 (1982, C.E. Akujor and P.N. Okeke.

13. The Existence of a Gap in the Evolutionary Sequence of Pulsars: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 85 325-329 (1982), C.E. Akujor and P.N. Okeke.

14. Possible Explanation of variation of the Scattering index parameter: Astrophysics and Space science, USA, 88, 487-491 (1982), C.E. Akujor and P.N. Okeke.

15. An Evaluation of a Proposed Two Station Pulsar Interstellar Scintillation, Radio Observation Program between Nsukka and Otacamund, India: Proceeding of Nigerian Academy of Sciences, 1, 19-27 (1984), S.E. Okoye and P.N. Okeke.

16. Estimates of Proton energies in Extragalactic Radio Sources: Astrophysics and Space science, USA, 137 (1987), M.W. Anyakoha, P.N. Okeke and S.E. Okoye.

17. Models of Gamma Ray Emission from Large Scale Jets: 170, On Nuclear Spectroscopy, Astrophysical Sources, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, 350-355 (1987), M.W. Anyakoha and P.N. Okeke.

18. Radio Emissions from Large Scale Radio Jets: Astrophysical Journal, 29, 97-101 (1988), M.W. Anyakoha, P.N. Okeke and S.E.Okoye.

19. Predictions of High Energy Gamma Rays from Extended Extragalactic Jets: Astro. Lett. and Communications, 27,373-380 (1990), M.W.Anyakoha, P.N. Okeke and S.E. Okoye.

20. Possible Origin of Radio Emission from SS433 Jets: Astrophysics and Space science, USA, 144 (1991) S.S. Nweze, M.W. Anyakoha and P.N. Okeke.

21. A Possible Explanation of Matter-Antimater Asymmetry in Cosmic Ray Measurements: Nig. Journal of Phys, 3, 23-30, 1991, G. Anene and P.N. Okeke.

22. Origin of Radio Gaps in EGRS: Astrophysics and Space Science: USA, 187, 209 (1992), I.E. Ekejiuba, P.N. Okeke and S.E. Okoye.

23. The Nature of Ejected Protons from the Nuclei of EGRS: Astrophysics and Space Science, USA, 187,205 (1992), G. Anene and P.N. Okeke.

24. Possible Implications of CP-Violations in Hyperon Decays: Astrophysics and ans Space Science, USA, 187, 215238 (1992), G. Anene and P.N.Okeke.

25. Effects of Nuclear collisions in Extragalactic Radio Sources: AIP Con. Proc., (1992), P.N. Okeke.

26. Space Science in Developing Countries: Adv. Space Res. 14, 225-231 (1994), P.N. Okeke, U.R. Rao and F.C. Anyaegbunam.

27. Dynamical and radioactive effects of Ultra relativistic Hadronic Interactions in Active Galactic Nuclei: Astrophysical Journal 413,110 (1993). I.E. Ekejiuba and P. N. Okeke 28. Coulomb Scattering as a Mechanism for Electron Reacceleration in Jets of Radio Sources: Astrophysical Journal, 442, 537-541 (1994), I.E. Ekejiuba and P.N. Okeke.

29. Basic Space Science in Africa: AIP Conf, Proc. 320 (1995), P.N. Okeke and L.I. Onuora.

30. Inelastic Collision Model for optical Emissions from Large Scale Jets: AIP Conf., Proc. 320 (1995), M.W. Anyakoha and P.N. Okeke

31. Electron Acceleration in Solar Flares: AIP, Conf. Pro. 320, (1995), P.N. Okeke, and K. Ohki.

32. High Energy Electron Production in Flares: Conf. Proc. 2nd SOLTIP Symp. Ibaraki Univ. Japan,, K. Ohki and P.N. Okeke.

33. Current Situation in Basic Space Science in Africa: Invited Paper for Publication in Un/Esa booklet, (1996), P.N. Okeke.

34. EUE J1429 - 38.0: an Eclipsing Polar: Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc. L127-L132 (1996), R.S. Stobie, P.N. Okeke, D.A.H. Buckley and D.O. Donoghue.

35. Fast Plasma Particle Acceleration by Absorption of electromagnetic Waves: Nig. Inst. of Phys. Special Silver Jubilee Vol. (1996): F.B. Sigalo and P.N. Okeke

36. Pulsar Glitches and Neutron Star Interior:  Published in African skies 3, 204 (1999): J.O. Urama, C.S. Flanagan and P.N. Okeke.

37. Variation of Solar coronal Hole area & Terrestrial lower Tropospheric Air temperature from 1979 to 1998. W. H. Soon, S.L. Baliunas E.S. Posmentier, P.N. Okeke (2000). New Astronomy Volume 4, Issue 8, February 23.

38. Vela-size Glitch rates in Youthful Pulsars. Mon. Not. R. Astron. Soc., 310, 313-316 (1999) J. O. Urama and P. N. Okeke.

39. Periodicities in rotation and DM of PSR B1557-50. A.E.Chukwude, A.A Ubachukwu and P.N.Okeke. Astronomy & Astrophysics 399,231-235 (2003).

40. The UV Spectral Emission Lines of YZCnc. R.N.C.Eze, U.Chinwah and P. N. Okeke, Nigerian Journal of Science (2005)

41. Investigation of the Nature of two Meteorite objects found in Northern part of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Space research Vol. 1, 1-6, (2005) P.N.Okeke et al.

42. Possible Scientific research with Southern African Large telescope (SALT), in Nigeria. To be published in the conference proceedings at the workshop in Cape Town March 2003, P.N.Okeke A.E Chukwude and A.A Ubachukwu

43. Plausibility of Laser Action in the HeI Region at Quasar PKS 0237-23, Nigerian Journal of Space research Vol. 1, 31-36, (2005), O.E.Ekpe and P.N.Okeke.

44. Variability of Horizontal Visibility in Maiduguri, Nigeria, due to Harmattan Dust Aerosol from 1971 to 2000, Nigerian Journal of Space Research Vol. 1, 121 -130, (2005), A.C.Anuforom, P.N.Okeke, and F.O.Opara.

45. Possible Participation of Nigeria in Global Phenomena of Geospace. African Skies, (2006), F.N.Okeke, S.E. Onwuneme and K.C.Okpala.

46. Extremely Large Telescope and Developing Nations, IAU Symposium, South Africa, (2006). J.O.Urama and P.N.Okeke

62.	Okere B. I., Okeke P. N., Obi I. A. and Sigalo F. B. 2010, Photometric Study of post-AGB Stars. (Ready for submission for publication). 63.	Ayantuji B.G, Okere B.I, Najib Yusuf, Esther Hansan, and Okeke P.N: Investigation of Seasonal Range error for L and S Bands signal on the satellite-Earth path: ISWI meeting, Abuja 2010.

64.	Okeke P.N., Okere B.I, et al: Studies of Near Earth Objects (Meteorite) which landed in Nigeria 2009: ISWI meeting, Abuja 2010.

65.	Ayantunji B.G1, Okeke P.N1 and Urama J.O: Seasonal Variation of Surface refractivity over Nigeria. Submitted for publication in Advances in Space Research. (ELSIVIR).

SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTIONS OF PIUS. N. OKEKE, FAS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ASTRONOMY IN NIGERIA AND  AFRICA. In 1981 through 1982, Prof Okeke did his post-doctoral program in the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, UK where he worked in the area of observational and theoretical Astronomy with two distinguished Astronomers in the world: Professor M.J Rees and Nobel Laurel Tony Hewish. In 1983, he also worked with Prof Gorvin Swarup for 6 months in Oorty India.

With this sound background, he returned to Nigeria and worked tirelessly in collaboration with his Post graduate Students until he rose to the rank of a Professor in 1989. By 1990, he took over the mantle of leadership of Astronomy Research group of University of Nigeria from his Mentor, Late Prof. S.E. Okoye

In the areas of both Optical and Radio Astronomy, Professor Okeke worked on a large number of research projects, collaborating with institutions in South Africa, Harvard University, National Astronomical Observatory, Japan, University of Tokyo, Chinese Urumqi Observatory and Ooty Radio Astronomy Observatory India.

To enable him pilot the training of Astronomers in Nigeria, Professor Okeke’s worked in a vast areas of Astronomy research which include: 1. High Energy Astrophysics where he contributed immensely in the origin of Astrophysical Jets & evaporating Mini Black Holes – in collaboration with M.J Rees.

2. Optical Astronomical Observations, where he worked with Late Bob Stobie and others using 1.9 metre telescope in Sutherland to discover an eclipsing polar. In collaboration with Peter Martinez he also co-supervised a number of Postgraduate students using these facilities including SALT. The collaboration is still on-going

Prof. Okeke is also setting up a small optical observatory in Nsukka for teaching and research.

3. In Radio Astronomical Observations, Prof. Okeke used the facilities in HartRAO to successfully graduate three Post Doctoral students from Nigeria. They are now back to Nigeria and are members of Nigerian Astronomers.

4. As a visiting scholar to Harvard Smithsonian Centre, USA, he collaborated with the institution on Astrophysical Spectra Studies in 1996-1999 and made significant contributions

5. Within these period, 1996 - 2001, Prof. Okeke was appointed on merit by the Government of South Africa, as an external Board Member of NRF of South Africa, overseeing astronomy research in South Africa. He contributed immensely in the development of Astronomy in South Africa, including the sitting and establishment of SALT.

6. He produced the first Astronomy texts written by an African while Over 80 percent of Astronomers in Nigeria were supervised by Prof. Okeke. .He has over 70 research publications in reputable journals of Astronomy and Space Science. The total number of supervised MS.c and Ph.D students are about 30 and 25 respectively.

7. For over 30 years, Professor Okeke played a leading role in the development of Basic Space Science in Nigeria. He worked closely with the United Nations and IAU to get Nigeria to its present position in Space Science and Technology in Nigeria. He was a key player in the development and production of Nigerian Space Policy 1993 and revised version in 1998. This led to the creation of Nigerian Space Agency in 2001. In 2003, Prof. Okeke was officially appointed the co-ordinator and director of the National Centre for Basic Space Science, and a member of Technical Advisory Board of NASRDA, the positions he still held to date. The latest development is that of collaboration with China. Prof. Okeke and the Centre for Basic Space Science, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA/CBSS) where he is the director is building a 25 metre Radio Telescope/Receivers which will be completed and installed in Nigeria by 2013

8. In one of the UN/ESA/JAXA conference, 2007 in Tokyo Japan, the United Nations presented a letter of commendation to Prof. Okeke for his tremendous contributions to the development of Astronomy in Africa.

This is compiled by.